Star Tracking

     When we drive on the road in Japan, we see frequently blue signboards which show us directions or distance of cities and area. So we can arrive at destinations without checking the map and compass.  But sometimes I get worried about heading to wrong way, so I usually check the maps on my smartphone. 

     On my trip in Hokkaido during the new year holiday, I don't want to rely on smartphone much. When I rode on my bike at clear night, just as sailers in the past had done, so I checked stars such as Polaris or Orion and confirmed the direction and distance. "The hunter bends him back and is aiming to zenith in front of me, so I am heading to the East.", "Orion looks off to the left, so Obihiro is not far from here." Like this. 

     Anyway, it felt so good to ride on a long road with no traffic lights or street lights under the starry sky.